U.S. President Barack Obama arrives at the election night victory rally, accompanied by first lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha.(Carolyn Kaster/AP)

Michelle Obama gives a thumbs up to the crowd.(JASON REED/REUTERS)

Mr. Obama acknowledges the crowd as he begins his speech. “Tonight, more than 200 years after a former colony won the right to determine its own destiny, the task of perfecting our union moves forward,” he said.(M. Spencer Green/AP)

“Tonight, in this election, you, the American people, reminded us that while our road has been hard, while our journey has been long, we have picked ourselves up, we have fought our way back, and we know in our hearts that for the United States of America the best is yet to come.”(KEVIN LAMARQUE/REUTERS)

“I want to thank every American who participated in this election, whether you voted for the very first time or waited in line for a very long time. By the way, we have to fix that. Whether you pounded the pavement or picked up the phone, whether you held an Obama sign or a Romney sign, you made your voice heard and you made a difference.”(KEVIN LAMARQUE/REUTERS)

U.S. President Barack Obama gestures with Vice President Joe Biden, whom he called “my friend and partner of the last four years, America’s happy warrior, the best vice president anybody could ever hope for.”(LARRY DOWNING/REUTERS)

U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama celebrate with Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill after his victory speech.(KEVIN LAMARQUE/REUTERS)

U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama celebrate with Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill after his victory speech.(KEVIN LAMARQUE/REUTERS)